UCF Football: Gus Malzahn's first season will be exciting

UCF Football: Win or lose, it will be exciting with Gus Malzahn

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: Dillon Gabriel #11 hands the ball off to Greg McCrae #30 of the UCF Knights during the second quarter against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on November 27, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Mary Holt/USA TODAY Sports) /

The defense has to improve

Last season, UCF football allowed nearly 500 (491) yards per game, as well as 33 points per outing, so even if the offense is elite, if UCF wants to have a shot at winning the American and playing in a major bowl, the defense needs to improve.

Malzahn and company did their best to address some issues in the transfer portal and did well to add former Auburn defensive lineman Big Kat Bryant.

Bryant has 10 career sacks and Ricky Barber, who is coming from Western Kentucky, is a 290-pound D-lineman with five sacks in two years, including four last season to go along with six tackles for loss in addition to 51 tackles.

Travis Williams came over to run the defense and his experience in the SEC should help. Eriq Gilyard is experienced and really solid at linebacker, while the top returner back at safety is Derek Gainous.

David Thorton returns at corner and as long as the defense can continue its trend of forcing takeaways, the Knights offense should be able to cover up the warts.

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